When life gets turned upside down through circumstances like natural disasters, personal losses, or even global crises, it just seems hard to stay sober. Floods and storms are things that disallow us from maintaining some semblance of control in our lives. These incidents have the power to wash away all the order we’ve created in our routines—order we depend on to keep us grounded in recovery. But if I’ve learned one thing from this path I’m on, it is this: I don’t need to weather the storm by myself.
How Natural Disasters Can Disrupt Recovery Routines
In the beginning months of recovery, I held tightly to structure. I believed that staying clean would be possible if I controlled my environment—by sticking to a schedule, attending meetings regularly, journaling every night, and maintaining consistency.
For a while, that worked. Then a flood came. Our city, often awash in sorrow, was hit hard. We had to evacuate our house. Everything familiar and safe seemed to evaporate overnight. Meetings were cancelled, my usual check-ins disrupted, and anxiety rose with the water. I was terrified—not just of what was happening outside, but also of the emotional storm brewing inside.
Finding Strength in Virtual Recovery Meetings
And that’s when In The Rooms became my lifeline. The world felt like chaos as I logged into my first virtual meeting, unsure if anyone else would be there. But they were. People from around the globe—some going through disasters of their own—showed up to hold space for each other. That night, I learned something vital: recovery isn’t about perfect control. It’s about connection. It’s about reaching out when everything inside you screams to shut down.
Creative Ways to Maintain Sober Support During a Crisis
Sober support during times of crisis looks different. There isn’t always a coffee circle to sit in. Sometimes, it’s a quick text to a sponsor. Sometimes, it’s a quiet journaling session or a recovery affirmation. Sometimes, it’s the soft voice in an online room reminding you that you’re not alone.
The 3 Tools That Kept Me Grounded
Returning to the basics helped me most: one day at a time, staying in the present, and reaching out. This trio became my compass. When everything else fell apart, the community was my safety net.
If you’re facing a calamity—emotional, environmental, or otherwise—please remember this: messy or not, your recovery still matters. And whether it’s face-to-face or screen-to-screen, connection can be the anchor that keeps you afloat.
No storm lasts forever. With support, we can weather anything—sober.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for more support, inspiration, or stories that speak to your recovery experience, we invite you to explore our Blogs & Articles section. Stay connected with the In The Rooms community on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and twitter for daily encouragement, real voices, and reminders that healing happens one moment at a time.
4 Comments
My name Is Hugo and I’m a recovering Addict , I have almost 4 1/2 years clean, Resently I’ve been asked to do a 12 step series service, I have worked all 12 to the best of my ability but I’m nervous and not very confident I’ll be able to do a good job, I’ve noticed, O get very nervous when asked to speak, I mumble, freeze up and frequently lose my train of thoughts, I’m seriously thinking I might be suffering from some form of cognitive decline, I welcome any advice as to how to handle this situation responsibly.
Hi Hugo, first I just want to say congratulations on 4 ½ years clean—that’s an incredible achievement and something to be so proud of. 🌟 It’s completely normal to feel nervous when speaking in front of others, especially when it’s about something as meaningful as the 12 steps. Many people experience freezing up, mumbling, or losing their train of thought—it doesn’t mean you’re not capable, and it doesn’t necessarily mean cognitive decline. You’re human, and nerves are natural.
One thing that might help is writing down key points you’d like to share and keeping them with you. That way, if your mind goes blank, you have a guide to return to. You could also practice in front of a trusted friend or even in the mirror to build confidence. Remember—you don’t have to be perfect. Speaking from the heart is what people connect with most. You’ve already inspired others through your recovery journey, and this service will be another way to do that. Be gentle with yourself—you’re stronger than you think.
I really enjoy the meetings they really help me
Hi Allen — thank you so much for sharing that. I’m really glad to hear the meetings are helping you. ❤️
I can absolutely relate. In my own recovery, there were times when things felt overwhelming and isolating — when I doubted whether showing up would even matter. But every time I logged into a meeting — online or in person — there was usually someone there who needed to hear what I had to say, and someone there who said exactly what I needed to hear. Those connections saved me more than I ever realized.
Keep leaning into those meetings. Even on days when it feels small, that “help” accumulates, builds strength, reminds us that we don’t have to go it alone. You’re doing the work just by showing up. You’re not alone.